As early voting commenced in New York City’s mayoral election, influencers from the lifestyle and fashion sectors have started to voice their endorsements, creating waves across social media platforms. Notably, Danielle Bernstein, famed for her brand WeWoreWhat, took to Instagram to express her support for former governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent after being defeated in the Democratic primary by Zohran Mamdani. Bernstein argued for the necessity of choosing a candidate who emphasizes safety for all New Yorkers, stating that while Cuomo has faced serious allegations, his experience is crucial for the city’s future.
Similarly, Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, known for her wellness and fitness content, shared a vague endorsement on her Instagram Stories, cautioning against electing someone inexperienced for the city’s leadership. These endorsements, while lacking direct naming of candidates, quickly drew backlash. Critics pointed out the implications of supporting a candidate with numerous allegations of sexual harassment, suggesting that such endorsements could negatively influence young female audiences.
Conversely, several influencers rallied behind Mamdani. Kelsey Kotzur posted a TikTok video encouraging her followers to cancel out Bernstein’s vote and support Mamdani instead. Many comments acknowledged the growing frustration with influencers who align with Cuomo. This sentiment was echoed in TikTok videos from other creators, including Halley Kate McGookin, who passionately supported Mamdani, emphasizing the importance of voting among young people.
The discourse surrounding these endorsements reflects a growing expectation among influencer audiences for political engagement from their favorite content creators. As audiences increasingly seek authenticity and responsibility from influencers, those who step into the political arena face the challenge of articulating their positions clearly to avoid backlash. This election cycle may indeed prompt a shift in how influencers approach political endorsements, as they navigate the delicate balance of their public persona and their audience’s expectations.